Providing performer safety for our future Kylies, Mels and Bazs...

14-October-2002

What safety mechanisms are in place when teenage actors and stage crew undertake performances in schools and in private music and dance studios in NSW?

In the first research of its kind, a Creative Arts doctoral student from the University of Wollongong will be contacting every performing arts teacher in the state asking how they keep their students safe.

Research student Jai Greenaway will also be asking dance, drama, theatre and music teachers what support and resources they need to nurture a culture of safety in teenage performers and crew. Jai, a theatre professional and school drama teacher, has developed an on-line questionnaire (www.uow.edu.au/crearts/TheatreSafety) where teachers can indicate the current situation regarding safety and what issues they have about balancing creativity and safety

. "Do all performers and crew who go to the Entertainment Centre for the Rock Eisteddfod know that their first job is to check where the nearest fire exit exists?" Jai asked.

Jai said she hears "near-miss horror stories" regularly including crew suffering electrical shocks, poorly maintained winches which dramatically failed, dropping scenery pieces narrowly missing cast members and dancers breaking bones from slipping on leaks from fog machines.

She said the ultimate aim of the project was to create the resources, which teachers could use with their adolescent musicians, actors, dancers, technicians and crew.

"The project wants to help support the safety of our next generation of Kylies, Mels and Bazs," Jai said.

For further information contact Jai Greenaway on 0402 290327 or email jmg62@uow.edu.au